MIRI – Miri is set to become the spotlight for modern dance when the Dance In Borneo 2.0 Modern Dance Competition takes place on August 30 at the Miri Indoor Stadium, featuring 27 dance groups, including two teams from Indonesia.
The announcement was made by Piasau State Assemblyman (ADUN) and Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts I (Tourism), Dato Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, during a press conference at the Piasau Service Centre on Wednesday.
He said the second edition of the competition has seen greater participation compared to its inaugural run in 2023, with dancers from Miri, Kuching, Sibu, Sabah, Kuala Lumpur, and neighbouring countries. The event will feature two main categories: K-POP and Open Showcase.
“This competition is not just a dance event, but a platform that brings together creativity, talent and cultural diversity. It has the potential to become a benchmark event for Miri, boosting the local creative industry and contributing to economic and community development,” Sebastian Ting said.
To maintain high standards, the panel of judges will comprise international dance experts from Korea, Thailand and Indonesia, alongside experienced professionals from Kuala Lumpur.
The Miri Indoor Stadium, which seats around 2,700 spectators, will be transformed into one of the city’s largest cultural production stages, supported by significant technical investments, including a sound system worth RM80,000, excluding stage and logistics costs.
Sebastian Ting also revealed that while the government has provided support, organisers are seeking private sponsorships to help fund equipment, hospitality, media coverage and student engagement programmes.
“Although ticket sales are still modest, we are confident that ongoing promotions and discounted student tickets will draw more young people and families to support the event,” he added.
He urged government agencies, private sponsors, schools, families and the general public to collaborate in making Dance In Borneo 2.0 a success, thereby elevating Miri as a hub for cultural excellence and a destination for world-class creative events.
